Abstract: An immunogenic HIV retrovirus-like particle which is non-infectious and non-replicating and which is useful as a candidate vaccine component against HIV infection, is produced by genetic engineering. A DNA molecule comprising the HIV genome devoid of long terminal repeats is incorporated into an expression vector, which is introduced into mammalian cells for expression of the HIV retrovirus-like particle.

Abstract: Peptide antigens which are immunoreactive with sera from individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are disclosed. Several of the antigens are immunologically reactive with antibodies present in individuals identified as having chronic and acute HCV infection. The antigens are useful in diagnostic methods for detecting HCV infection in humans. Also disclosed are corresponding genomic-fragment clones containing polynucleotides encoding the open reading frame sequences for the antigenic peptides.

Abstract: A peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by the following formula: Ser-Thr-Lys-Glu-Gly-Asp-Ser-Ser-Asn-Thr-Gly-Ala-Gly-Lys-Ala-Leu-Thr-Gly-Le u-Ser-Thr-Gly specifically reacts with antibodies against human parvovirus B19. Therefore, this peptide can be used in agents for detecting antibodies against human parvovirus B19 and in methods for detecting antibodies against human parvovirus B19.

Abstract: A herpes virus proteinase has been found to be encoded by a member of a family of four nested genes in simian cytomegalovirus. Another member of the nested genes encodes the assembly protein precursor, which is a substrate for the proteinase. Homologous genes are found in other herpes viruses. Cleavage sites recognized by the proteinase are identified in cytomegalovirus and are found to be highly conserved in other herpes viruses. Substrates, inhibitors, assay kits, and methods of assaying are provided which rely on the proteinase and its activity.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of the ability of rotaviral VP6 protein to home to macrophage and monocytes to provide label to these cells in either an in vitro or in vivo environment. Further, the ability to couple label to the VP6 protein and to couple VP6 to a targeting agent provides a mechanism for conducting label (or an effector moiety) to any desired target.

Abstract: Non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANB hepatitis) virus RNA and its corresponding polypeptide, related antigen, antibody, and detection systems for detecting NANB hepatitis antigen or antibodies.

Abstract: This invention discloses linear and cyclic peptides of the E1 and E2 glycoproteins of the rubella virus. These peptides and analogues, mixtures and combinations of them are useful in detecting and quantifying antibodies raised against the rubella virus. They are also useful in raising antibodies to the rubella virus for use in the diagnosis of and protection against rubella viral infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates a peptide having specific immunoreactivity to antibodies to HTLV-I, HTLV-II, or combinations thereof comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of:Env-1 (HTLV-I; a.a 191-214)LPHSNLDHILEPSIPWKSKLLTLV,Env-2 (HTLV-II; a.a 187-210)VHDSDLEHVLTPSTSWTTKILKFI,Env-5 (HTLV-I; a.a 242-257)SPNVSVPSSSSTPLLY,Gag-1a (HTLV-I; a.a 102-117)PPSSPTHDPPDSDPQI,Pol-3 (HTLV-I; a.a 487-502)KQILSQRSFPLPPPHK, andanalogues thereof, wherein the amino acids in the sequence may be substituted as long as the immunoreactivity to antibodies to HTLV-I or HTLV-II derived from the three dimensional conformation of the sequences is substantially preserved.The invention is further directed to an immunoassay method for the detection of antibodies to HTLV-I, HTLV-II or a combination thereof, a test kit for the detection of said antibodies, a peptide composition containing said peptides and a vaccine.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame. ORF5, are identified as vital polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta., of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: Isolated viral proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed which are capable of binding to Tumor Necrosis Factor, thereby functioning as Tumor Necrosis Factor antagonists. Also disclosed are processes for preparing isolated viral protein cytokine antagonists.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel linear peptides and mixtures and chemical combinations thereof useful for detecting and quantifying HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections. These peptides are also useful in vaccines against HTLV-I and HTLV-II vital infections.

Abstract: A substantially pure receptor with binding activity for rhinoviruses of the small receptor group is disclosed, which has the following characteristics:(a) a molecular weight of 120 KD on a polyacrylamide gel in the presence of SDS;(b) a sedimentation constant, determined by sucrose gradient centrifugation in the presence of detergents, corresponding to about 28.4 S;(c) is bound by Lens culinaris lectin;(d) is not bound by heparin-sepharose;(e) is bound irreversibly to an anion exchanger;(f) has binding activity which is insensitive to neuraminidase;(g) consists of sub-units connected by intermolecular disulfide bridges;(h) shows no binding activity to rhinoviruses in the presence of EDTA; and(i) has a binding activity to rhinoviruses which is only slightly influenced by iodoacetamide.A receptor subunit of the above-described receptor, produced by complete reduction of said receptor, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Assembled viral particles derived from rotavirus proteins are disclosed. The assembled particles include the inner capsid protein, VP6, in combination with either or both of the outer capsid proteins, VP4 and VP7. These assemblies can be used in vaccine compositions for the treatment and prevention of rotaviral disease.

Abstract: A method for refolding insoluble, improperly folded IGF-I is provided, wherein the IGF-I, precipitated from prokaryotic host cells, it concurrently solubilized, unfolded, and refolded into a biologically active conformation in a single buffer. The buffer contains reducing agent and chaotropic agent to solubilize the IGF-I at concentrations sufficiently low to allow solubilization and folding to occur. Also provided is a triple-protease deficient E. coli host suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: Compositions for the inhibition of replication of human immunodeficiency virus containing one or more "porphyrins" possessing antiviral activity. As used herein "porphyrins" includes porphyrins, phthalocyanines, chlorins, metallo derivatives thereof, and other porphyrin-like compounds. Examples of natural and synthetic, positively, negatively, and neutrally charged porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and derivatives thereof have been found to exhibit selective anti-HIV activity which is not dependent on the presence of light.

Abstract: Bacterially synthesized polypeptides that are recognized by antibodies produced in EBV-infected humans are disclosed. Plasmids containing DNA sequences encoding portions of the EBNA and EBEA-D antigens are also disclosed, as are methods for expressing these DNA sequences in bacteria. The DNA sequence encoding the EBNA-1-related fusion polypeptide is found in a Bam H1 K-restriction fragment, while that encoding the EBEA-D-related fusion polypeptide is found in a Bam H1 M-restriction fragment.

Abstract: A polypeptide which inhibits the replication of Herpes Simplex Virus and like viruses, which has the amino acid sequence of consecutive amino acids of HSV protein Vmw 65 and comprises the sequence 367 to 373: ##STR1## (identified as SEQ ID NO: 1) or a conservatively modified variant thereof, its therapeutic use and antibodies thereto.

Abstract: This invention provides a purified polypeptide having growth factor activity and a defined amino acid sequence. The invention also provides a purified nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide. This invention further provides methods for producing the polypeptide as well as uses thereof. Finally, this invention provides methods for detecting the polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention relates to E2 trans-activation repressors which interfere with normal functioning of the native full-length E2 transcriptional activation protein of the papillomavirus. Native full-length E2 trans-activation protein activates transcription of papillomavirus only through binding to DNA, and it binds to DNA only in the form of a pre-formed homodimer--a pair of identical polypeptide subunits held together by non-covalent interactions. The E2 trans-activation repressors of this invention are proteins, polypeptides or other molecules that dimerize with full-length native E2 polypeptides to form inactive heterodimers, thus interfering with the formation of active homodimers comprising full-length native E2 polypeptides, thereby repressing papillomavirus transcription and replication. The E2 trans-activation repressors of this invention are advantageously used in the treatment of papillomavirus infections and their associated diseases.

Abstract: Viral protein T from Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) is disclosed. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 17 kD and is produced by the vpt gene of HIV-1. This protein is antigenic. Vectors capable of expressing the vpt protein are also described.

Abstract: A method of recovering nucleic acid-containing particles from a liquid medium by contacting the liquid medium containing the particles with a mixture of hydroxylated silica beads and a salt solution to bind the nucleic acid-containing particles, centrifuging the mixture to pellet the bound particles, and separating the pellet from the liquid.

Abstract: Recombinant full-length Hepatitis B surface antigen protein is disclosed. This protein is useful in vaccines for the prevention of Hepatitis B infection.

Abstract: A method of detecting or determining the sequence of monomers which is a topological equivalent of the epitope which is complementary to a particular paratope of an antibody of interest, comprises the steps of: 1) synthesizing a plurality of catamer preparations; each of the catamer preparations consisting of a plurality of catamers in which the composition at one or more designated positions in each catamer is known, and the composition at the remaining positions is randomly made up from members of a defined set of monomers; and the plurality of catamer preparations comprises preparations in which the composition at the designated positions is systematically varied to contain members from a defined set of monomers; 2) contacting each of the plurality of catamer preparations with the antibody of interest; and 3) detecting or determining the presence or absence of binding between each of the plurality of catamer preparations and the given antibody to indicate a partial sequence of the mimotopes for the paratop

Abstract: A purified human CMV virion protein that has a molecular weight of approximately 86,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE and exhibits in vivo immunizing activity and a murine monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the protein and exhibits complement-independent human CMV neutralizing activity are described. The antibody is useful for isolating the protein by affinity chromatography and the protein is, in turn, useful for detecting CMV neutralizing antibody in sera and as a vaccine.

Abstract: Infectious bursal disease virus vaccine free of avian cell material comprising inactivated virus or live virus that induces a protective immune response when administered to poultry by noninjection means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-A, non-B hepatitis virus antigen peptide which exhibits antigen-antibody reaction specificity with at least one of sera from a convalescent patient having acute non-A, non-B hepatitis and sera from a patient having chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis. By the use of the antigen peptide of the present invention, not only the diagnosis of non-A, non-B hepatitis but also the screening of blood for transfusion can be achieved with ease and high reliability. The antigen peptide of the present invention may also be used as the basis for a vaccine against non-A, non-B hepatitis.

Abstract: A method to express rotavirus genes in a baculovirus system. Different clones are used to express rotavirus genes for all of the viral proteins. These proteins are isolated in their native conformation. Some of these proteins show antigenic properties and are used to vaccinate human, agricultural animals and pet animals against diarrheal disease. The antigenic proteins are also used to detect the presence of the viral infectious agent either by themselves or in conjunction with antibodies produced against the antigenic proteins.

Abstract: Polypeptides in the size range 6-11 amino acids from discrete regions of the human immunodeficiency virus p17 protein are immunogenic and form the basis for diagnosis and therapy of HIV-related disease.

Abstract: This invention encompasses novel chimeric glycoproteins which are useful for preparing virus specific immune responses against human parainfluenza virus type 3, PIV3. Host cells transformed with structural genes coding for the glycoproteins, expression and replication plasmids containing the structural genes, vaccines made from the glycoproteins and methods for protecting humans by inoculation with said vaccines are also part of this invention.

Abstract: A substantially pure, synthetic protein possessing anti-complement property and a DNA sequence encoding said protein are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA molecule or a functional derivative thereof coding for a fusion protein, the fusion protein comprising an enzymatically active component and a non-enzymatically active polypeptide component which may be cleaved therefrom, an expression system which contains the DNA molecule, the use thereof as a test system for inhibitors of viral proteases, and an assay for identifying viral inhibitors.

Abstract: Polypeptides corresponding in amino acid residue sequence to T cell stimulating regions of the HBV nucleocapsid protein are disclosed. A method of enhancing the immunogenicity of a polypeptide immunogen comprising operatively linking the polypeptide through an amino acid residue side chain to core protein particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Glycopeptides of the gcI (gB) complex of human cytomegalovirus are disclosed. They possess unique B cell and T cell epitopes not present in other gcI glycopeptides. Glycopeptide fragments which comprise minimal antigenic determinants of the gcI complex are also disclosed, as are recombinant expression vectors, vaccines, and diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Compositions for the inhibition of replication of human immunodeficiency virus containing one or more "porphyrins" possessing antiviral activity. As used herein "porphyrins" includes porphyrins, phthalocyanines, chlorins, metallo derivatives thereof, and other porphyrin-like compounds. Examples of natural and synthetic, positively, negatively, and neutrally charged porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and derivatives thereof have been found to exhibit selective anti-HIV activity which is not dependent on the presence of light.

Abstract: Recombinant hepatitis B virus surface proteins produced in recombinant host cells are rapidly and efficiently purified from either cell extracts in a high pH buffer, or from heated whole cells at neutral pH. The host cell extracts or whole cells are heat treated, cooled and in the case of high pH extract, the pH is reduced. The surface proteins are then absorbed onto wide pore silica followed by elution and concentration. This method eliminates the requisite introduction of protease inhibitors, stabilizes the surface protein and improves product yield.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid antigen polypeptide having both antigenicity of the ATLA encoded by gag gene and that of the ATLA encoded by env gene. The hybrid antigen can be produced in a large amount and it is applicable to serum diagnosis of patients infected with antigen polypeptides such as ATLV.

Abstract: Novel peptides are provided having substantially the same sequence as immunologically significant fragments of AIDS-related viruses. The polypeptides can be used as reagents in the determination of exposure of a human host to the virus. Of particular interest is the use of polypeptides in screening blood products.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a vaccine for use in immunizing animals against pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection which comprises inactivated recombinant PRV subunit antigens. Also described is a diagnostic kit for detection of PRV infection which distinguishes vaccinated animals from naturally exposed animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of retroviruses, designated by HIV-2, of which samples have been deposited to the ECACC under numbers 87.01.1001 and 87.01.1002 and to the NCIB under numbers 12.398 and 12.399.It relates also to antigens capable to be obtained from this virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p26 and gp140. These various antigens can be used for the diagnosis of the disease, especially by contacting these antigens with a serum of a patient submitted to the diagnosis.It relates to immunogenic compositions containing more particularly the glycoprotein gp140. Finally it concerns nucleotidic sequences, which can be used especially as hydridization probes, derived from the RNA of HIV-2.

Abstract: Polypeptides, fragments thereof, antisera and monoclonal antibodies thereto are provided for the detection of retroviruses in the HTLV family capable of inducing transformation in human lymphocytes and other immune cells, regulation of viral replication and transformation or infection of human cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a recombinant DNA molecule having a structural gene encoding a processive, thioredoxin-independent DNA polymerase, a promoter, and an origin of replication. The protein may also have a processive 3'-to-5' DNA exonuclease activity. A method for producing this enzyme is also disclosed, as is the protein produced by this process. This invention is exemplified by expression of T5 DNA polymerase in E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant DNA sequence encoding the pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoprotein gX, host cells transformed by said DNA sequence, the gX polypeptide, and methods and kits for detecting animals infected with PRV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: A process is provided for the purification of a proteinaceous physiologically active substance having antitumor activity, which is induced by administering to a rabbit at least one substance having a capacity for stimulating reticuloendothelial system and then injecting endotroxin from a Gram-negative bacterium into the rabbit. The process comprises contacting a crude solution of said proteinaceous physiologically active substance with a basic anion exchanger to have said physiologically active substance adsorbed on the anion exchanger, eluting the adsorbed physiologically active substance, and subjecting the eluate containing said physiologically active substance to gel filtration with a gel suitable for separation of a substance with a molecular weight in the range of 30,000 to 70,000. The purified preparation of said physiologically active substance thus obtained may be used as an antitumore agent for the treatment of malignant tumors.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides are provided having serologic activity for the a determinant of hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Included in the oligopeptide chain are a sequence of at least two cysteines and a lysine in proximity to the cysteines. The oligopeptides can find use in immunoassays, the formulation of vaccines, and the production of antisera.

Abstract: Synthetic polypeptides having influenza virus antigenic properties are disclosed. These polypeptides correspond substantially to particular regions in the matrix protein of influenza virus. Salts, derivatives, and conjugates of these polypeptides are disclosed as well as methods for using these materials for diagnostic and medical/veterinary purposes.

Abstract: The monoclonal antibodies are specific for a determinant found on hepatitis B surface antigen, and show high affinity for this determinant. Hybridomally produced monoclonal IgM antibodies having high affinity are useful for the immunoassay and purification of viral antigens.

Abstract: Antigens, immunogens, inocula, antibodies, diagnostic methods and systems relating to Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) are disclosed. Each of the compounds, compositions, methods or systems contains a synthetic, random copolymer polypeptide having about 6 to about 40 residues, or an antibody containing site that immunoreacts with such a polypeptide. The polypeptide includes the five amino acid residue sequence -Gly-R.sup.1 -Gly-R.sup.2 -Gly-, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of Ala, Asn, Arg, Gly, Leu, Pro, Ser, and Thr, with the provision that R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not both Gly. The polypeptide contains at least 25 mole percent Gly residues, and when linked to a carrier and introduced in an effective amount into a mammalian host is capable of inducing production of antibodies that immunoreact with EBNA.

Abstract: Nucleic acid of reduced size and vector containing said nucleotidic sequence of which DNA codes an immunogenic peptidic sequence capable of inducing the generation of antibodies to the virus of viral hepatitis B. It comprises totally or partly the sequence of nucleotides represented in FIG. 3A. Application to the production by cloning in a bacterium of an immunogenic protein immunizing against hepatitis B, or application to the obtention of probes for the diagnosis of the presence of Dane particles in a serum.